The offence and limits
Speeding is an offence under section 89 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and the associated speed limit provisions. It is a summary offence dealt with by a fine and penalty points, or disqualification. A fixed penalty notice offers three points and a fine; contested cases go to court.
Penalty points and 'totting up'
Penalty points remain on your licence for three years (four years for totting purposes). If you accumulate 12 or more points within three years, you face a minimum six-month disqualification under the totting-up provisions, unless you can show that disqualification would cause exceptional hardship.
Defences and mitigation
- Disputing the speed measurement — calibration and accuracy of the device
- Signage, the validity of the limit, and procedural compliance
- A Notice of Intended Prosecution served out of time
- Exceptional hardship arguments to avoid a totting-up ban
Frequently asked questions
12 points within three years triggers a minimum six-month disqualification under the totting-up provisions, unless exceptional hardship is shown.
Hardship beyond the ordinary consequences of losing a licence — for example, the impact on others who depend on you, or the loss of a livelihood for which there is no realistic alternative.
Yes. The calibration and accuracy of the device, the validity of the speed limit and signage, and whether the Notice of Intended Prosecution was served in time can all be challenged.
Points remain on the licence for three years and are counted for totting purposes for four years.